10 Creative Uses for Empty Beer Bottles
I certainly don't live in a frat house, but somehow I still find myself with an abundance of beer bottles. Maybe you do too? Barbecue, game day, celebration . . . beer is a part of popular culture and most parties include the brew. So aside from recycling – which you're already doing anyway,
Posted — Updated1. Remove the label to make an instant, easy vase. And you may be thinking, "Booooooring!", but before you dismiss the idea, just imagine this: A long, rustic wooden table scattered with dozens of green glass bottles, each one holding just a few white flowers. Pretty elegant right? Or, how about a dozen clear bottles hanging from wire, suspended in trees, with a big beautiful bloom in each one. Perfectly whimsical for a homespun garden party, no?
2. Remove the label to make an instant, easy candle holder. Just the same as above, this concept goes from "dorm" to "decadent" by keeping just a few things in mind: 1) Large groupings add a dramatic effect. Try covering a table, mantle, or hearth. 2) Choose colors and shapes that tell a story. All the same color or a slapdash mix? Tall clear bottles or squat little brown ones? Each choice will evoke a different feeling. 3) Try styling in unexpected ways, such as the suspended vases mentioned above.
3. Remove the label and wash the bottle well, then use it to store or serve your kitchen liquids, like oils, vinegars, or even dish soap or hand soap. You'll just need a few of those stopper/pourer tops – cheap at any kitchen supply store. The dark bottles are great for protecting oils, which react to light.
4. You can make your own glass cups by removing the label, washing the bottle well, and then cutting the tops off. Of course you'll need a proper bottle-cutting kit, but those aren't hard to find and they come with everything you need for a clean cut and a smooth edge. This would make a great gift for the holidays, especially in matching sets of 2 or 4.
5. In the same style as above, you can cut off the tops of beer bottles to make lovely little votive candle holders. Experiment with different shapes and sizes of bottle bottom. And of course, you could totally decorate them with funky decoupage, glitter, or rhinestones.
7. Fitted with a small feeder spigot, an upside-down beer bottle full of nectar will serve as a free hummingbird feeder. This would make a fun project for the younger family members. Hang it outside their bedroom window!
10. And finally make a Bottle Tree. Not only is it a fantastic form of garden art, but southerners swear it will keep the bad juju away!
What do you do with your old beer bottles? Let us know in the comments!